My path into counselling began through working in aged care and later in disability support. It was there that I began to recognise an ability to understand people, to see something of the complexity behind what they were experiencing, and to help them move forward. Over time, a number of people encouraged me to pursue counselling more formally. What drew me to the work was not only an interest in psychology and what makes people tick, but also the opportunity to help people better understand themselves and work through the things that are affecting their lives.
Nearly twenty years on, what continues to keep me engaged is that every person and every story is different. I try to create a warm and open space where people can be themselves and go where they need to go without feeling pressured or judged. My natural style is reflective and often looks beneath the behaviour or immediate problem to explore the beliefs, experiences, memories or perceptions that may be shaping it. I have seen again and again how resilient people can be, and how greater understanding can create real freedom and meaningful change. My hope is that people leave counselling feeling not only understood, but with a clearer understanding of themselves and greater confidence in how they want to move forward.
About Scott
“The journey of change requires a focus on not just ‘what’ we do, but also ‘why’ we do it.”
When we first meet, I usually begin by inviting you to talk afresh about what has brought you to counselling, what has been happening and what you would like to change. As you talk, I’m listening not only to the problem as you understand it, but also for other pieces of information that may be important — recurring themes, emotional responses, past experiences, beliefs or connections that may not yet be obvious. Sometimes people bring different parts of their story without realising how closely they are connected. Part of my role is to notice those possible connections and help bring them into view.
My approach is reflective, but the purpose is not simply to analyse your past or understand yourself for the sake of it. We explore more deeply when doing so can help make sense of what is happening now and create the possibility for meaningful change. I might ask a question, offer an observation, gently challenge an assumption or suggest that something seems worth exploring. I am actively engaged in the process, but I don’t see my role as giving you a predetermined answer or telling you what you should do. Instead, I try to help you uncover and understand what may be influencing the way you are feeling, thinking, relating or responding, so that your own way forward becomes clearer.
My Approach to Counselling
You don’t need to arrive with everything clearly understood or know exactly how to put what you are experiencing into words. Sessions are conversational and reflective, allowing things to emerge and make sense as we work together. My aim is to create a space where difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences can be explored openly, without pressure or judgement.
Every person and every counselling process is different. Sometimes our work will stay very much with what is happening in the present; at other times, something from the past may need to be understood because it continues to shape what is happening today. Where useful, I may also draw on personality insight, including MBTI®, as another way of helping you better understand yourself and the patterns you experience.
We go where it is useful to go. Often there comes a point where something begins to fit together differently — a client might say, “That makes so much sense,” or recognise for the first time why they have been responding in a particular way. Those moments of understanding can create room for new choices, greater freedom and more lasting change.
I have worked in counselling for nearly 20 years and currently practise privately. My formal training and professional credentials include:
Bachelor of Arts (Christian Counselling)
Australian Counselling Association — Level 4 Registered Counsellor
MBTI® Certified Practitioner
Professional Background
If you’d like to explore whether counselling with me might be a good fit, you’re welcome to make an enquiry. I’ll be in touch with information about the next steps.